ISRO to launch U.S.-based BlueBird communications satellite soon
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is preparing to launch the Block 2 BlueBird communications satellite, developed by U.S.-based AST SpaceMobile, within three to four months. This collaboration follows the successful NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar Mission (NISAR) launch. The 6,500 kg BlueBird satellite will be launched from Satish Dhawan Space Centre aboard ISRO's LVM3 (formerly GSLV-Mk III). ISRO Chairman V. Narayanan expressed confidence that existing technology contracts with India would be executed despite potential U.S. trade policy changes. He also reiterated ISRO's plans for three uncrewed Gaganyaan missions before the human spaceflight in December 2025, with the crewed mission targeted for early 2027.
Key Points
- ISRO plans to launch the U.S.-based AST SpaceMobile's Block 2 BlueBird communications satellite within the next few months.
- The BlueBird satellite, weighing 6,500 kg, will be launched using ISRO's LVM3 (GSLV-Mk III) launch vehicle from Satish Dhawan Space Centre.
- This collaboration follows the successful NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar Mission (NISAR) launch.
- ISRO Chairman V. Narayanan affirmed confidence in the execution of technology contracts with India despite potential U.S. trade policy shifts.
- ISRO is also progressing with the Gaganyaan program, with three uncrewed missions planned before the human spaceflight in December 2025.
Exam Facts
- The satellite is Block 2 BlueBird, developed by U.S.-based AST SpaceMobile.
- It weighs 6,500 kg and will be launched by ISRO's LVM3 (formerly GSLV-Mk III).
- The NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar Mission (NISAR) was launched on July 30.
- The first uncrewed Gaganyaan mission is planned for December 2025, with the crewed mission in Q1 2027.
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